VIDEO: Lionel Messi will be proud! Stand-in Argentina captain Angel Di Maria curls home sensational 25-yard free kick to spark comeback against Costa Rica as World Champions win again in Inter Miami superstar's absence

A Lionel Messi-less Argentina side went down 1-0 against Costa Rica in the first half but Di Maria brought his side back in the game in the 52nd minute when he curled in a terrific free-kick from 25 yards. Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martinez then scored a goal each as La Albiceleste clinched the clash 3-1.

The reigning world champions played two friendlies during the March international break without their talismanic skipper as the 36-year-old withdrew his name from the squad after picking up an injury during Inter Miami's CONCACAF Champions Cup clash against Nashville earlier this month. The South American giants scored six goals in their two matches against El Salvador and Costa Rica and conceded just once, showing that they are still a formidable outfit when Messi is unavailable.

Lionel Scaloni's side will now look ahead to the Copa America in June as they look to defend their title, with Messi likely to be the focal point in the team once again. They begin their journey against Canada on June 21.